Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
In my continuing research for the right fifth wheel for my family of five (all three children are girls), I'm having a hard time finding a manufacturer with a floorplan that truly meets our needs for beds and storage (clothes and home school books/supplies being our top priority for the girls needs). My wife is a little hesitant about the idea of a toy hauler, but the idea of being able to completely decorate the garage as a girls' room does have its appeal for her. In speaking with one dealer salesman and a DRV sales rep, its been suggested that a toy hauler may not be a good option. Among the concerns mentioned is the possibility that the garage walls and floors are not as well insulated as the rest of the coach and that the HVAC ducting does not enter the garage (specifically DRV).
As most of the posts about toy haulers are greater than 6 years old, I thought I would get some updated thoughts on the feasibility of a family full-timing in a toy hauler. What are the pros and cons? Which manufacturers build a full-time quality toy hauler (from your full-timing RV experience perspective)? Other thoughts or concerns to keep in mind?
Have 2 Damon,Thor/Outlaw Toy Haulers which we used for our 4 boys and then for their toys which started as motorbikes, canoes, than ATV, then dune buggy's so we had to get a second toy hauler just for them, their friends, and the adults went in another "adult coach."
We traveled all over the US with them during the summers and long 3-4 day weekend trips while they where in school. Re the duct work there is a National Fire Protection Code that requires that any duct work being used for a living area that also is used for a garage MUST have a back draft damper installed for fire and carbon monoxide reasons. The damper would close when no airflow to prevent any entry into the living areas. Due to the cost doubt you ever see one in a toy hauler but who cares as the Outlaw has a separate A/C Heat Pump installed for the garage only so is not an issue. They can maintain their own temperature.Our first Outlaw didn't have any insulation in the sidewalls so we drilled holes near the top and foamed the walls and installed a trim piece over them to hide the plugs. The second one had insulation so no need. Our units are 12 and 16 yrs old and still in use today. They have been used 16 times so far this year. Our kids were in grammar school when bought the first one and now are all college grads with Masters and still using the Toy Haulers for weekend parties with their friends. Another positive item was that their experience driving the 37 - 38 ft units around made their transition to a 45' Class A Diesel Pusher almost seamless.
We really liked the many ways the garage could be used with an upper queen bed and the lower coaches converting to 1 big bed or 2 smaller couches if that was needed. It also was ideal to use for transporting or taking handicapped family members on trips. Just open the garage door and instead of "Beam me up Scottie" it became "Wheel me up Scottie!"
Obviously they worked for us or we wouldn't still have them and still be using them! Do not know all the models and brands out there but the Outlaws have worked well for us. My most remember able use of one of them was when we took 12 handicapped kids out to a horse ranch in the Toy Hauler garage. We chocked their wheelchairs like a plane or truck in the back and took them and their parents for a trip they will remember for the rest of their lives. Handy utility vehicle IMHO. Thermal scan proved that the roof and floors had insulation for sound reasons the dealer told us but who cared why only mattered that was insulated.
If you have any other ? you can pm me. We looked at a new 37 BG Thor Outlaw today as DW would like to have the patio option on one of our toy haulers and our youngest graciously offered to buy the 16 yr old unit at a discount from us. What a son!!!!hmmm.....
John
I don't know what DRV has, but have you considered a "bunk house" floor plan in a 5er? They have a separate bedroom at the back that sleeps three or four. Some have an extra full bathroom or 1/2 bath, too.
DRV offers a "Full House" model. Goggle and you will find one.
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2003 Teton Grand Freedon 2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD 2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift, hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
